December 20, 2024

December 20, 2024
Principal Priorities
Winter Break
I hope this winter break is providing you and your families with the opportunity to relax and enjoy quality time together. Our students have had a successful first half of the year, and this time off is perfect for them to rest and unwind. School will resume on January 6, 2025, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for the new year. Wishing you all a joyful holiday season filled with warmth and happiness!
Please check out the PTO section below. They are working in a surprise for the teachers and need your help over break.
Happy Holidays,
Mr. Schmidt
Smencil Delay
Unfortunately due to shipping delays our Smencils did not arrive before winter break. We will have them when we return and send them home with students. Our apologies that they were not here before the holidays. Our 4th graders are very disappointed that they couldn't fill your orders. Please contact Mrs. George (georgem@gjps.org) with any questions.
Music Summary
See the links below to review what each grade level has been learning in music.
Outdoor Recess
As you know, Ohio weather is all over the place and can change from week to week/ day to day/ and even hour to hour! Some days are pleasant while other days can be down right COLD! We will be going OUTSIDE for recess as long as the temperature (including windchill) is 20 degrees or higher. Please make sure that your child is dressed appropriately for outside play (coat, gloves, hat, etc.).
PTO News and Events
Dec. 27 & 28 Help Needed
Teacher Lounge Make Over!
We are looking for parents to help with a teacher lounge renovation project. There have been many volunteers helping to get this project planned on organized. We are looking for people that can help our cabinet installer as well as people to help move furniture and clean. No experience necessary just the ability to unbox cabinets and help move and hold them in place. Help is needed each day from 10:00- 4:00. You can sign up or an hour or the the whole day. Please use door #11 on the back of the building to enter as there will be no one in the office. Email Ana Minyayev, Howard Bigard or Mr. Schmidt with any questions. You can use this sign-up to let us know you are coming!
Volunteer Opportunities
Office Volunteer Sign-up
General help at a time that works for you! This can be 30 minutes or three hours! Help make copies, sort papers, organize materials, collect or distribute materials, and other office-type activities needed to support classroom instruction.
Instructions will be provided, so no experience is necessary!
Lunch Helpers Volunteer Sign-up
Our school is in need of volunteers in the cafeteria to help students open food containers, help with general cleanup, and wipe off tables for others.
Playground Helpers- Volunteer Sign-up
Help the staff at Jefferson have extra eyes on the playground. Walk around the playground, monitoring activities, talking with students, or join in and play a game with them!
Family Facebook Group- NEW!~
Join our Facebook Group and be part of the community. This group was created for Jefferson families and staff to support and celebrate our students and school. It's also a great place to ask questions of other parents and have support as you navigate the school year.
We are excited to see all the amazing and encouraging ways our families and staff connect with each other! This is a place for positive comments and a helpful resource for families. This is not the place to voice concerns. If you have an issue you would like to discuss, please get in touch with the staff member directly via email or call the school. This is a place to build on the sense of community within our Jefferson Family.
Upcoming School Events
Mark Your Calendar...
Winter Break December 23- January 3
January 6, 2025, School Resumes
January 24 Family Movie Night
January 24 Group Yearbook Picture Day
ical Link to add Jefferson Calendar to your phone
Heart and Pride Nominations
The Heart and Pride Award recognizes two outstanding staff members each month who make a profound impact on our students and Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools. Families are encourage to nominate a staff member today! The Heart & Pride Nomination Form will remain available year-round and is open to any member of our staff, regardless of position.
Please visit www.gahannaschools.org You can find almost anything you need on our website
- Infinite Campus: Please log in to the parent portal and complete the Annual Information Update. Update all Emergency Medical Forms, make sure all contact information is current, apply money to lunch accounts, and more! Click Here for DIRECTIONS
- Bus Information: find your student's bus route, contact information, and download the bus app.
- Free and Reduced Lunch Applications: Apply for free or reduced price lunch using the Parent Portal. Directions and more information can be found on the Food Service Website. If you need assistance please contact our head cook, Kim Karshner Karshnerk@gjps.org
Gahanna, Ohio 43230
614-478-5560